final
gb/fˈaɪnəl/ us/fˈaɪnəl/
A2
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Last in a sequence
Happening at the end and not followed by anything else.
Usage pattern:
the final [noun]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'final' with 'finally'. 'Final' is an adjective, while 'finally' is an adverb.
Synonyms
last (More general and common; can be used for both time and order.)
|
ultimate (Slightly more formal or emphatic than 'final'.)
Antonyms
initial (Refers to the beginning rather than the end.)
|
first (Opposite in sequence; beginning item or event.)
Collocations
final decision
|final round
|final stage
|final result
|final exam
Themes
time
|events
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The final chapter of the book was very emotional.
- After months of debate, the committee reached its final decision.
- We are in the final stages of the project.
- She took her final exam yesterday.
- The final match will be played on Sunday.
Learner examples
- This is the final week of school.
- We will make a final choice tomorrow.
- The final game is next Monday.
- I am studying for my final test.
- He is the final person in the line.
Noun
A2
event
2
Last match in competition
The last game or match to decide who wins a competition.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'final' as a noun with 'finals' for multiple events or exams.
Synonyms
championship match (Specifically refers to a match that determines the champion.)
Antonyms
qualifier (A preliminary match to decide who advances, opposite in sequence to a final.)
Collocations
cup final
|grand final
|reach the final
|win the final
Themes
sports
|events
Examples
- They reached the final after a tough season.
- The World Cup final attracted millions of viewers.
- She scored twice in the final to secure the win.
- Our team is playing in the grand final this weekend.
- He was injured during the tennis final.
Learner examples
- We won the final yesterday.
- The final will be on Saturday.
- My team is in the final.
- They lost the final last year.
- I want to watch the cup final.
Noun
B1
entity
3
End-of-course examination
A big test at the end of a course or school term.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'final' as plural without adding 's' when referring to multiple exams.
Synonyms
final examination (Formal full term for 'final' in academic contexts.)
Antonyms
midterm (An exam given in the middle of a course.)
Collocations
final exam
|take finals
|study for finals
Themes
education
Examples
- I have my chemistry final tomorrow morning.
- She stayed up all night studying for her finals.
- He passed his math final with flying colors.
- Finals week is always stressful for students.
- The professor scheduled the final for next Friday.
Learner examples
- I have a math final today.
- We take finals in June.
- My English final is hard.
- He is ready for his history final.
- I passed my science final.
Grammar
Dictionary form
final
IPA
GB/fˈaɪnəl/
US/fˈaɪnəl/
Syllables & stress
fi - nal (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (fi)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: final
Noun
- Base: final
- Plural: finals
Word family
Forms
finals
noun
Core family
finally
adverb A2
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
initial
adjective B1
preliminary
adjective B2
Expressions
final curtain
1/fˈaɪnəl kˈɚtən/
fixed phrase
End of a performance or career
The end of a play, show, or sometimes a person's career or life.
Examples
- The actor bowed at the final curtain.
- It was the final curtain for his long career.
final say
1/fˈaɪnəl sˈeɪ/
fixed phrase
Ultimate decision-making power
The right to make the last and most important decision.
Examples
- The manager has the final say on hiring decisions.
- Parents usually have the final say about their children's education.
in the final analysis
1/ˈɪn ðə fˈaɪnəl ænˈælɪsɪs/
fixed phrase
After considering everything
After thinking about all the facts or opinions, in the end.
Examples
- In the final analysis, we decided to go ahead with the plan.
- In the final analysis, her happiness was more important than money.
in the final analysis
2/ˈɪn ðə fˈaɪnəl ænˈælɪsɪs/
fixed phrase
formal
Ultimately, after considering everything
Used to mean 'after thinking about everything, in the end'.
Examples
- In the final analysis, we decided to cancel the project.
- In the final analysis, it's your choice.